How Far?

Grade Level: Fifth Grade
Subject: Math/Social Studies
Time: 1 hour

Objectives:
Social Studies
  • 5.H.2 Understand the role of prominent figures in shaping the United States
Math
  • 5.NOF.6 Solve real world problems involving multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem.
Technology
  • 5.TT.1 Use technology tools and skills to reinforce and extend classroom concepts and activities

Materials:
  • Internet
  • Worksheet with Word Problems

Purpose: The purpose of this lesson is to have students use fractions to solve word problems on how far the founding fathers had to travel to Philadelphia.

Procedures:
Focus and Review (5 minutes)
  • Review previous social studies lesson by asking students to share what they know
  • Review previous math lesson on fractions
Statement: (5 minutes)
  • Today we are going to take what we have been learning about in our social studies unit and using it today during our math time.
  • As we know, our founding fathers decided in 1787 to travel to Philadelphia to write a new constitution.
  • Today we will be using Google earth and our knowledge of fraction to see how far they had to travel to Philadelphia.
Teacher Input: (20 minutes)
  • Introduce Google Earth to students.
  • Talk about how Google Earth is a virtual globe.
  • Explain the uses of Google Earth
  • Inform students that the five of the six founding fathers they’ve researched (John Adams, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Alexander Hamilton) had to travel to Philadelphia
  • Inform students that they will be using fractions and equations to determine how far the founding fathers traveled.
Guided Practice: (10 minutes)
  • Have students pull up Google Earth on their computers.
  • Have them type in their current location (city and state) to show them how Google Earth work. Type in another location to show how far apart the locations are.
  • Distribute worksheet and do the first problem together.
Independent Practice: (15 minutes)
  • Students will complete the worksheet “How Far”
Closure: (5 minutes)
  • Today we used math and technology to determine how far our founding fathers had to travel in order to reach Philadelphia.
Differentiation:
  • ELL/LD: Students will have the option of viewing a map on screen as opposed to a virtual globe. Math equations will also be written separately from the word problems. Translations for math vocabulary will also be provided
  • AIG- AIG students will receive the same number of math problems that are to their level of ability.
Resource:
  • Google Earth earth.google.com